Alteration & Replacement Standards

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​Projects that alter wetlands by filling, draining or excavating are required to show alternatives that would avoid wetlands and to replace wetlands when unavoidable impacts occur. An example of a common wetland alteration project in Dakota County is construction of roads and bridges.

Moving existing roadways or bridges or significantly modifying the alignment of new linear roadway projects is not always feasible. When this occurs, Dakota County replaces these unavoidable wetland impacts with two acres of wetland for every one acre impacted. State and federal wetland laws guide where wetland replacement can occur, but it has been a Dakota County goal to replace lost wetland areas locally and within the effected watershed to the extent feasible.

Permits needed for wetland alterationThese permits have been in place since the early 1980s.

Various permit requirements can apply to wetland alterations depending on the wetland size and type.

The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical support and is the "clearing-house" for citizens, local governments, and county departments planning projects that involve wetlands. Contact the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District office if you are considering a project that may alter wetlands.